It all started in 2008 when Focus on the Family Canada opened Kerith Creek near Calgary, Alta., and began retreats for single and married church leaders. These ministry retreats were – and still are – a seven-day period of rest, small group teaching, healing and counselling.

Jerry and Renee Ritskes, the pastoral leaders at Kerith Creek, bring their own experience of more than 25 years of ministry. Now, reflecting over the last few years of ministering to pastors, missionaries and other Christian leaders, they share a bit of what it’s like to serve at Kerith Creek.

“We came to Kerith Creek primarily because we experienced a retreat with Sonscape Retreats, which later became the model for Kerith Creek,” says Jerry. “I was in real need of refreshment and hope. We had experienced some difficult things in ministry and I felt ‘used up.’ I felt like God was finished with me. It was a scary and confusing time.”

Date Night ChallengeSign your church up for an exciting evening dedicated to helping couples strengthen their relationship. The night will feature world-class entertainment and teaching through a special webcast.Register your church >>

MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS

Focus on the Family’s The Truth Project is an exciting DVD-based study that addresses the uncertainties of life. We have training dates coming up on February 25 and March 3! Find out more >>

FEATURED RESOURCE

Leading on Empty
Are you leading on empty? If you're a church or ministry leader, you probably identify with Wayne Cordeiro's experience of being overwhelmed by the demands of ministry.Learn more >>

FROM SCRIPTURE

“But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son . . . that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts . . .”

Galatians 4:4-6

WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND

Send us your ideas of how you are encouraging fathers in your congregation to be more engaged in their families’ spiritual lives, and we will send you a copy of The 21-Day Dad’s Challenge.Email us >>

TESTIMONY

“Kerith Creek was the highlight of our sabbatical. We were uncertain if we needed it or if it would really help. We really appreciated how you emotionally entered into our losses. The retreat gave us a leg up on our marriage.”